Faking it - Serious?

[blazyb]

Inspired by PD friends who have had family members accuse them of faking it - I have written today's blog post. This is not aimed at those who lovingly support their PD partners who are bewildered by its constant surprises (you guys rock) but to those dumb enough to pick this disease to accuse someone of faking. For PD patients - it is in a way a good thing - it shows by definition you are not succumbing easily and sinking into the stereotype - keep fighting. Please read and comment and share. (Picture is with a CC license)

fightingparkinsonss.com/202...

[park_bear]

It is good to comfort the accused and call out the accusers as you have done. While we are on the topic it is also important to understand the reasons why such accusations might get leveled. Chief among them is likely variability of symptoms. There are times when most PWP are able to move normally, and other times not so much, depending upon dopamine levels. Someone who did not know this might accuse the PWP of faking it.

[bassofspades]

Interesting subject! Although I really do have Young Onset Parkinsons Disease, I must admit, I have "faked" feeling worse than I really do to get out of doing certain things that I really just didnt want to do! This includes things like chores and going to social functions that I just wasnt in the mood for. "Sorry, Im feeling very fatigued! Parkinson's, you know?" or, "I think I'm approaching my OFF phase, my medicine is wearing off". I call it "playing the Parkinsons Card"! Yeah, it sucks, but every cloud has a silver lining! 😁

Anyways, whenever I have been accused of faking it when Im not, especially in the early days, I would come back with something like, "Hey, I know I must look like a picture of perfect health, but if you were to experience what its like to be in my shoes for 15 minutes, you would absolutely crap your pants!". Works every time.

[blazyb in reply to bassofspades]

I actually found out at the weekend that one of my kids used “my father has Parkinson’s” to get out of a class….guess it happens. Will say no more

[bassofspades in reply to blazyb]

When life gives you lemons...

[PalmSprings]

Thanks for addressing this comment. Words can hurt. I have learned that from the outside looking in, many people do not understand what they cannot see or feel personally. The problem I have is that along with always dealing with the symptoms of PD, I need to have grace for all these “friends” that can’t understand what they can’t feel themselves.